Category Archives: International

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2024 global air cargo markets.  The demand growth measured in CTKs (cargo tonne-kilometers) grew by 9.8 per cent in October 2024, in comparison to the corresponding period of 2023. This is the 15th month of consecutive growth for the global air cargo sector. The ACTKs (available cargo tonne-kilometers) levels rose by 5.9 per cent YoY during the same period. “Air cargo markets continued their strong performance in October, with demand rising 9.8% year-on-year and capacity up 5.9%. Global air cargo yields (including surcharges) continue to rise, up 10.6% on 2023 and 49% on 2019 levels. While 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for air cargo, we must look to 2025 with some caution. The incoming Trump Administration’s announced intention to impose significant tariffs on its top trading partners—Canada, China and Mexico—has the potential to upend global supply chains and undermine consumer confidence. The air cargo industry’s proven adaptability to rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic situations is likely to be tested as the Trump agenda unfolds,” Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said.  

To deliver more innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics solutions, Geodis has unveiled a strategic plan ‘Ambition 2027’. The key objectives of the strategic ‘Ambition 2027’ plan include – supporting the users in their global logistics projects with diversified, tailored, value-added solutions, faster growth in the group’s financial performance and operational quality, and emphasis on social and environmental commitments as a central pillar in Geodis’ growth strategy. “In an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable world, GEODIS is constantly adapting and evolving to provide its customers with logistics solutions in which all modes of transport play a part, and which fully meet their expectations. The Ambition 2027 strategic plan strengthens our focus on operational, financial, social and environmental performance while staying true to the Group’s signature, ‘a better way to deliver,” Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO, GEODIS, said.  

Lufthansa Cargo and Maersk have signed an agreement to promote the decarbonization of airfreight with SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). It will use 400 metric tonnes of SAF on behalf of Maersk in the remainder of 2024. The expected cut down of CO2 emissions corresponds to at least 1,200 metric tonnes. “SAF is a decisive technological key to more sustainable flying and essential for the energy transition in aviation. With Maersk we are jointly making a valuable contribution with the new agreement. At the same time, more sustainable flying also requires major efforts for a modern fleet and increased efficiency in flight operations. It is only through this interplay that change can be achieved sustainably,” Ashwin Bhat, CEO, Lufthansa Cargo, said.

As part its strategic expansion plan for South India, FedEx has launched a direct flight between Guangzhou and Bengaluru via using a 767-300 freighter. This new trade lane will boost exports from Asia-Pacific region to Europe and the USA. FedEx has further strengthened its operations in Bengaluru, adding to its 22 weekly flights to and from the city. The flight will pave the way for essential imports of lithium-ion batteries and key components of the automotive and electronics industries. “India is one of the most exciting economic growth stories in the world today and represents a critical growth market for FedEx. I’m excited about the opportunities here in this dynamic and fast-changing region and am proud to strengthen our commitment to India by connecting local businesses to the world,” Richard W. Smith, COO, International and CEO, Airline, FedEx said.

DB Schenker has successfully completed the trial operation of remote-controlled forklifts at its contract logistics site in Kassel, Germany. Drivers can now control the vehicles from distance through a remote driving setup, pioneered by enabl Technologies. They are connected to several different vehicles at different locations via the enable platform. “The collaboration with enable allows us to react flexibly to fluctuations in demand and automate our processes to enhance productivity. We see this partnership with enabl Technologies as a valuable addition to our CL digitalization strategy, which will help us to secure our competitiveness in the long term.” Lucas Mömken, Vice President Global Engineering & Innovation in Contract Logistics, DB Schenker said.  

Grégory Goba-Blé, Head of UPS, India and Director of MOVIN Express shares, “We are expecting see more SMB clusters emerge from tier 2 & 3 cities. They will need robust digital connectivity and infrastructure to connect them to global supply chains. We’re looking at all opportunities to drive higher productivity and we will continue to lean into our customer-first, people-led, innovation-driven strategy. It’s about the combined power of our offerings to make logistics simple, accessible, and harmonized for customers. We recently opened a specialised healthcare-focused cross-docking facility in Hyderabad. It’s pharma grade with freight forwarding capabilities and is equipped with advanced temperature control capabilities to improve efficiency.”

To assist the companies certified under the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme, Etihad Cargo has further extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Through this collaboration, Etihad Cargo will provide discounted air cargo rates across its fleet to ICV-certified companies. The partnership aligns with the UAE’s vision to promote economic competitiveness and increase demand for local products, enabling UAE-based businesses to scale operations domestically while expanding to international markets. The extended MoU was signed by Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, and Salama Al Awadi, Director of National In-Country Value Programme (ICV) at MoIAT, in the presence of His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT.

To facilitate greater and faster market access in eCommerce segment, ECU Worldwide, Allcargo logistics’ subsidiary, has strengthened its integrated Direct2FC (Direct to Fulfilment Centre) service delivery capabilities in US market. As a part of the Direct2FC service delivery model, ECU Worldwide has collaborated with hundreds of fulfilment centers across US such as ShipBob, Stord, Boxzooka, Nimble, etc. to help customers smoothly replenish their inventory. ECU Worldwide offers inland cargo movement (trucking services) from ports to various fulfilment centres across USA. In addition, the company offers Xlerate, its premium express service for urgent shipments primarily for e-commerce businesses looking to move goods with speed. “Our enhanced Direct2FC service is designed to empower manufacturers and e-commerce companies of all sizes, providing them with efficient access to fulfilment canters and transportation services. By leveraging our extensive local and global expertise, we aim to simplify logistics processes and optimize supply chains. We are dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration, ensuring our clients can seize new opportunities and succeed in an ever-evolving market,” Adarsh Hegde, Managing Director, ECU Worldwide said.

Aircargonet International has announced a strategic alliance with CargoAi, which will ensure seamless real-time rates and capacity booking for its associated airlines, including Amerijet International and Royal Jordanian. The integration streamlines the booking process through CargoAi’s advanced platform, offering users a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. The real-time rates and cargo capacity information will empower users to make informed decisions and optimize their airfreight operations. “At CargoAi, we are proud to announce this transformative partnership that elevates airfreight logistics to new heights. By providing real-time rates and capacity for Aircargonet International GmbH’s represented airlines, we empower our users with the tools needed to navigate the dynamic airfreight landscape seamlessly,” Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi said.

Cargojet, which was announced as the launch customer for Aerios’ Carrier App, has reported a 40% reduction in quote-processing time post extensive trials. This strategic collaboration will ensure a much improved and faster response time to the request of the users. On the other hand, the use of Carrier App will help the Cargojet team to operate through a single platform, resulting in highly optimized operational efficiency. The App will also assist in boosting the CRM capability of Cargojet helping in identifying new business opportunities, and business development. “I am proud to announce Cargojet as our first partner. Cargojet’s early adoption and feedback have been valuable in the shaping the Aerios Carrier App. Cargojet is the first of a long line of carriers to go live with the Carrier App, and I look forward to announcing new partnerships in the future,” Simon Watson, Founder, Aerios said.